chromium

I previously published “Homocysteine Genetics – Coenzyme B Vitamins” in which I considered in-depth how homocysteine (an intermediate chemical in the Methylation Cycle) is formed from methionine, how genetics affects the metabolic pathways, and how B vitamins are used in metabolic pathways. I also wrote “Folate Ingredients – Folinic Acid & 5-MTHF” which discussed how coenzyme folate vitamins are far superior to the synthetic folic acid form. In today’s article, I take a broader view of the topic that encompasses the Methylation Cycle, genetics, and B vitamins.

THE METHYLATION CYCLE

The Methylation Cycle is considered to be one of the most important metabolic pathways in the human body. Its most important function is to provide methyl groups via SAM (S-adenosyl methionine) to hundreds of different body substrates. Methylation is continually occurring in the body, transforming many millions of molecules throughout the body every second. Molecules receive methyl groups, then separate and recombine continuously, transforming and reforming constantly in the ongoing process of life!

As a reminder of the pathways involved in the Methylation Cycle, the following figure provides a flow chart showing the details.

Figure 1. Metabolic Pathways in Methylation Cycle

A key purpose of this cycle is to provide methyl groups (CH3) needed by a broad range of of body functions (over 200 different functions). Examples include:

Influences the genetic expression that parents give their children and helps guide the development of the embryo.

Is needed by the nervous system to produce neurotransmitters and maintain the nerves.

Mobilizes fats and cholesterol so they do not accumulate where they are harmful, such as the arteries and liver.

Helps repair damaged proteins in the cells so they can function properly.

Protects the DNA in the genome (genetic code) to reduce the chances of mutation.

Creates antioxidants used in the antioxidant defense system.

DESCRIPTION OF PATHWAYS WITHIN THE METHYLATION CYCLE

The overall flow of the Methylation Cycle begins with dietary methionine (an essential amino acid) which combines with ATP (adenosine triphosphate – body energy) to form SAM (S-adenosyl methionine) – the common cosubstrate involved in methyl group transfers, transsulfuration, and aminopropylation. When SAM transfers a methyl group to a body chemical the residue from this reaction leads to the production of homocysteine.

Homocysteine can be converted in the transsulfuration pathway that requires coenzyme vitamin B6 to produce cysteine, glutathione, taurine, and sulfates. These sulfur containing substances provide important antioxidant protection and detoxification functions in the body.

Homocysteine can be converted back to methionine through the betaine (trimethyl glycine) pathway which requires zinc and magnesium. This pathway also requires dietary betaine or choline which the body can convert into betaine.

Also, homocysteine can be converted back to methionine via the remethylation pathway which requires 5-MTHF, coenzyme vitamin B2 and methylcobalamin (B12).

GENETICS

It is important to understand that each of the pathways described above are able to be executed only in the presence of enzymes (shown in blue boxes in the diagram) created by specific genes in your genetic code. For example, Betaine-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase (BHMT) is the enzyme required in the betaine pathway, Cystathione Beta Synthase (CBS) is the enzyme required in the transsulfuration pathway, and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) and Methionine Synthase (MS) are enzymes required in the remethylation pathway.

Assuming that you have perfect genetics (no mutations, SNPs, free radical damage, insertions/deletions, etc.), the proper functioning of these pathways are still subjected to the fact that the required vitamins and minerals (vitamin B6, vitamin B2, Folate, vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium, and betaine) need to be provided by your diet or from supplements for the body to function correctly.

In addition, exposure to high levels of toxins from your environment and high levels of stress require that the nutritional needs will be even higher for the pathways to work properly. For example, exposure to high levels of toxins requires that the transsulfuration pathway be more active possibly reducing the amount of available methionine to support necessary methyl transfer reactions.

For these reasons alone the consensus of knowledgeable practitioners is that you should be eating an organic whole foods diet, taking appropriate nutritional supplements, avoiding and eliminating toxins from food, water, and air (living in a clean environment), and avoiding an unduly stressful life. All of these actions fall into the category of Epigenetics which you generally have control over!! Doing these things alone could significantly balance the functioning of your Methylation Cycle and improve your health.

Unfortunately, few people have perfect genetics which often causes the various pathways in the Methylation Cycle to become imbalanced and unable to correct the dysregulation imposed upon the body. For example, the enzyme MTHFR can have heterozygous (single chromosome) genetic variations in up to 50% of certain populations and homozygous genetic variations (both chromosomes) in 10% or more of certain populations.

Some disorders that researchers have associated with MTHFR genetic variations include:

Alzheimer’s disease

Asthma

Atherosclerosis

Autism

Bipolar disorder

Bladder issues

Blood clots

Breast problems

Chemical sensitivity

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Down syndrome

Epilepsy

Fibromyalgia

Gastric problems

Glaucoma

Heart murmurs

High blood pressure

Irritable bowel syndrome

Leukemia

Male infertility

Methotrexate toxicity

Migraines with aura

Multiple sclerosis

Myocardial infarction

Nitrous oxide toxicity

Parkinson’s disease

Pulmonary embolisms

Schizophrenia

Stroke

Thyroid issues

Unexplained neurologic disease

Vascular dementia

This extensive list is highly significant and tells us that it is very important to have genetic testing done for the genes/enzymes in the Methylation Cycle pathway. I prefer the BodySync genetic test which evaluates the key Methylation Cycle genes plus many other important genes in a single test.

B VITAMINS AND MINERALS

We are strong believers that everyone should start their nutritional program by eating a balanced, organic, whole foods diet. We have been doing this ourselves for the past 30 years. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people follow this advice and in most cases this leads to poor nutritional status that does not adequately support the body’s needs. This is especially true with respect to obtaining the nutrients needed to support the Methylation Cycle.

Nine of our family members and associates have taken the BodySync genetic test which evaluates the condition of 45 different enzymes including CBS, MTHFR (2 variations), MTR (related to B12 and 5-MTHF as they relate to methionine synthase – MS), and MTRR (related to maintaining B12 levels needed by the MTR enzyme). In every case the results showed at least 2 and up to 4 enzymes had genetic variations. These results indicate that the nutritional requirements for folate as 5-MTHF, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, magnesium and zinc will likely be significantly greater than normal.

Given the above information, it seems essential for good health to take nutritional supplements that provide the important nutrients. Below I will discuss various formulas that I have developed and refined over many years that are useful especially for the Methylation Cycle.

MULTIVITAMINS

When looking at the total needs the body has for nutrients that the body does not produce, including fat soluble vitamins (A, D (some), E, K1 and K2), vitamin C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate, B12, biotin, choline, and inositol), minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Cr, Mo, K, boron, and vanadium), and betaine it only seems wise to include as a top priority a Multivitamin that includes all of these in what I term therapeutic amounts (carefully selected after evaluating thousands of research studies carried out over many years.)

In this context, it is important to recognize that every enzymatic reaction in the body requires mineral cofactors in order to carry out its function. A good multivitamin provides many of these required minerals.

Additionally, the multivitamin should contain ingredient forms that research has confirmed to be the most absorbable and usable by the body. These include coenzyme B vitamins, Krebs cycle (citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, & malate) minerals, and amino acid chelates.

In the context of supporting the Methylation Cycle we are looking for specific forms and amounts of B vitamins that can adequately provide the body’s needs. The means that there should be coenzyme folate as 5-MTHF of at least 400 mcg, coenzyme vitamin B-12 as methylcobalamin of at least 200 mcg, Vitamin B6 (including significant amounts of pyridoxal 5′ phosphate) of at least 40 mg, and Vitamin B2 (including significant amounts of riboflavin 5′ phosphate) of at least 25 mg. In addition, magnesium (100 mg) and zinc (at least 20 mg) should be provided.

Please note that the body’s requirements for magnesium is generally accepted by nutritional experts to be higher than 400 mg daily (and as high as 1,000 mg daily). For this reason we generally recommend that a person take supplemental magnesium (such as HPDI’s MYO-MAG) at levels over 400 mg daily.

The two multivitamin formulas Health Products Distributors provides for adults that meet these requirements (and more) are the Hank & Brian’s Mighty Multi-Vite and Multi Two (in both capsule and tablet forms). Click on the bottles below for technical details.

B COMPLEX

In situations where significant genetic variations are present it may be wise to add a B COMPLEX supplement to the MULTIVITAMIN to provide even larger amounts of the needed B vitamins. HPDI provides a B-Complex-50 product that includes significant amounts of coenzyme forms and contains 50 mg of Vitamin B1, 50 mg of Vitamin B2, 100 mg of Vitamin B3, 50 mg of Vitamin B6, 500 mcg of coenzyme folate (both folinic acid and 5-MTHF), 100 mcg of B12 (both methylcobalamin and hydroxocobalmin), 50 mg of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), 500 mg of Biotin, 50 mg of choline, and 50 mg of inositol. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

FOLATE AS 5-MTHF

In situations where an inadequate diet is present and genetic testing indicates an MTHFR variation (especially a homozygous variation) Health Products Distributors provides a 5-MTHF folate supplement that easily absorbs into the body and can be directly used in combination with Vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine to methionine. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

5-MTHF 1 mg in veggie cap

B-12 as METHYLCOBALAMIN

It is often the case for older patients and vegetarians that Vitamin B12 is deficient. In these cases it is wise to supplement with a significant amount of methylcobalamin to ensure that the Methylation Cycle has sufficient to effectively convert homocysteine into methionine. Health Products Distributors Vitamin B12 contains 5 mg of methylcobalamin in sublingual lozenge form that supports excellent absorption even if swallowed and absorbed by diffusion. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

Vitamin B-12 – 5 mg Methylcobalamin sublingual lozenge.

MINERALS

Magnesium and zinc are two important minerals used in the betaine pathway of the Methylation Cycle in which homocysteine is converted back to methionine.

In the body magnesium is involved in more than 400 essential metabolic reactions and is required by the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-synthesizing protein in mitochondria. ATP, the molecule that provides energy for almost all metabolic processes, exists primarily as a complex with magnesium (MgATP). Therefore, it also is involved in converting methionine to SAM.

Over 300 different enzymes depend on zinc for their ability to catalyze vital chemical reactions. Zinc-dependent enzymes can be found in all known classes of enzymes.

Health Products Distributors provides 100 mg magnesium/vcap in its MYO-MAG supplement which is especially important in increasing ATP in the Krebs Cycle. This product also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 with substantial amounts of coenzyme forms and manganese. Click on the bottle below for technical details.

MYO-MAG with 100 mg magnesium per serving and key B vitamins.

Health Products Distributors provides 25 mg zinc/serving in its Double Zinc Plussupplement. This formula provides zinc in the picolinate and citrate forms as well as 3 mg of P5P (coenzyme B6). Click on the bottle below for technical details.

Double Zinc Plus supplement with P5P and 25 mg zinc

SUMMARY

The Methylation Cycle is recognized as one of the most important metabolic pathways in the human body. When not properly supported by key B vitamins and minerals, the Methylation Cycle can become severely imbalanced which can lead to a very wide range of poor health conditions. Furthermore, genetic variations in the genes that produce important enzymes allowing the Methylation Cycle to function correctly lead to even further imbalances and greater possibility for conditions of poor health.

In this article, I have provided insight into how the Methylation Cycle works and how it can be significantly supported by lifestyle changes regarding diet and environment (Epigenetics) and by specific B vitamins and mineral supplements that I have developed over many years. In addition, we have shown that knowledge gained from genetic testing can further provide a critical understanding of your specific needs so that your health can be optimized.

A couple years ago, HPDI’s formulator, my father Hank Liers, PhD decided to reformulate our already excellent kids multivitamin—the Kids Mighty-Multi!—to make it better. His intentions were good: the world’s best designer of adult multivitamins would improve the best children’s vitamin.

My quandary? While Dr. Hank was busy at work reformulating our kids multi, the existing—and uber-excellent—original Kids Mighty-Multi! went out-of-stock, and never came back. Suddenly, my seven-year-old son’s “go-to” multivitamin was gone…indefinitely!

I took action—kids vitamins became my obsession—because I wanted the best multivitamin for my child. I searched everywhere for high-quality kids vitamins. Leaving no stone unturned, we tried them all—including organic, whole food, gluten-free, vegan-friendly brands with glossy labels. Did we find good ones? Not really.

What DID we find? Well, not much—and a lot. That is, not much in the way of high potency, high-purity, or advanced forms, like coenzyme vitamins. And a lot of false promises and junk ingredients. Like sugar and corn syrup and GMO ingredients—even from “reputable” brands.

Not to mention artificial sweeteners, colorings, flavorings, as well as toxic preservatives and fillers, which are the de facto standard in conventional products. Natural products are better—not always by as much as you’d expect.

Looking for a good children’s multivitamin? Look no further than chewable Kids Mighty-Multi!

MY MULTIVITAMIN WISHLIST

Now in label-induced miasmic SHOCK…I proposed a reversal of terms. I simply wanted a lot of good things—like complete, balanced nutrients—and not much in the way of toxic additives.

Reeling, I scrawled a brief manifesto or “wishlist” for my ideal kids multivitamin:

Was I asking *too* much? No way. Yet, I was giving up on finding a suitable kids multivitamin. My son instead began taking an HPDI adult multivitamin (Multi Two Caps) we scaled to his sixty five-pound weight. The taste wasn’t great—so we opened capsules directly into his juices and smoothies—because he’s not ready to swallow capsules or tablets whole. At best…a partial solution.

KIDS MIGHTY-MULTI! BACK — BETTER THAN EVER!

Then. It. Happened. Lighting struck—HPDI’s Kids Mighty-Multi! is BACK! Turns out my dad finished reformulating the world’s best kids multivitamin. He broke the news with a smile. Stunned and unbelieving…I took a breath. My heart skipped a beat. Then I grabbed a bottle!

Who knew it would take two years?—and now, who cares!? This month, HPDI proudly introduces a *new* Kids Mighty Multi!. Worth the wait? Yes. Because the new version is better than ever.

A SERIOUS VITAMIN FOR KIDS – FINALLY!

What makes the new Kids Mighty-Multi! so good, and so much better? Let me count the ways. Here is a summary of benefits before I dive into discussing them in greater detail.

• Kids and adults love the taste!

• Full-spectrum of balanced, essential nutrients needed for creating, supporting, and maintaining excellent health for your child. Includes natural coenzyme form vitamins and Krebs’ cycle bionutrients that work with young bodies to provide energy for metabolic processes, healing, and optimal health.

• Functional ingredients built into every aspect of the formula, including the taste-enhancing package, herbal ingredients, and cofactors. Functional ingredients serve multiple purposes in supporting health.

Dr. Hank selected healthy, functional ingredients—as much as possible—in order to enhance the taste. That means these taste enhancers are not only NOT unhealthy like the refined sugars, corn syrups, and artificial sweeteners I found in so many other kids vitamins. But they are GOOD for you!

Because despite what adults might wish, sweeteners still comprise the largest percentage of kids multivitamins by weight. That means your child will be ingesting significant amounts (of whatever these sweeteners are) relative to the size of their multivitamin.

Who wants the bulk of their child’s multivitamin intake comprised of sugars, corn syrup, sucralose, or worse (think aspartame)? This is the reason natural sweeteners providing functional benefits make all the difference for health.

COMPLETENESS MATTERS – A LOT!

Kids Mighty-Multi! is nothing if not complete. As formulated by Dr. Hank Liers, it provides therapeutic levels of all essential vitamins, minerals, cofactors, and much more.

If you read labels (like I do), you’ll see most kids vitamins are “hit-or-miss.” They provide certain nutrients, but often completely miss others—usually with no rhyme or reason. (What was its formulator thinking?)

Missing important nutrients is bad for consumers—like you and your child—because all nutrients require other nutrients to “do a body good.” It’s called synergy, and it’s the way our cells are designed to work.

That means if you obtain sufficient amounts of a specific nutrient, but not enough of another, you may be unable to effectively utilize the nutrient you have—because utilization requires the nutrient you *don’t* have. Catch-22, huh? I’ll talk more about this later.

Kids Mighty-Multi! is nothing if not COMPLETE. (Tablets in photo appear larger than actual size.)

ADVANCED FORMS OF NUTRIENTS…LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN

Then, there are advanced forms of nutrients, like coenzyme B vitamins. Most kids vitamins (and adult multivitamins) offer you the B complex vitamins as synthetic forms. How can you tell? Well, coenzyme vitamin B1 in Kids Mighty-Multi! is from Thiamin Diphosphate and is very different from synthetic “thiamine HCl.” Vitamin B2 is from Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate is not synthetic “riboflavin.” The vitamin B6 is from Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate is not “pyridoxine HCl.” And so on.

What about vitamin B12 as toxic “cyanocobalamin”? Never. Kids Mighty-Multi! provides coenzyme B12 as methylcobalamin. Other brands sometimes use this form, but then provide synthetic forms for other B vitamins. That makes sense—NOT.

Sure, coenzyme B vitamins cost more to source. But the truth is, your body requires far less coenzyme form vitamins because they are the natural forms found in foods—you easily assimilate and utilize them. Kids Mighty-Multi! doesn’t need large amounts of coenzyme vitamins to give you big benefits.

Meanwhile, synthetic forms are not as easily assimilated—most go through a complex enzymatic breakdown before the body can use them. In some cases (for example if your child lacks certain enzymes due to genetics), syntethic forms cannot be broken down—or used—at all!

Case in point: Folate. Most kids vitamins give you “folic acid,” which is synthetic vitamin B1. A large percentage of the population (including me) lacks the gene providing the enzyme required to process folic acid. If folic acid builds up in cells (because it can’t be broken down), then it can be toxic. Solution: we use coenzyme folate—or 5-MTHF (5-methyl tetrahydrofolate) in Kids Mighty-Multi!. Problem solved.

Recall I said Kids Mighty-Multi! is complete?—and the importance of completeness in a multivitamin? Well, for example, if your kids’ multivitamin only provides synthetic vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl), it won’t be convertable into its biologically active (coenzyme) form without coenzyme vitamin B1 (Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate).

Did you catch that? To convert Pyridoxine HCl (synthetic vitamin B6) to its usable coenzyme form Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate, you need coenzyme Riboflavin (Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate). You need a coenzyme form of one B vitamin in order to convert another B vitamin to its coenzyme form!

If you have only synthetic forms of these B vitamins, your body must go through multiple conversion processes in order to first convert synthetic Riboflavin into coenzyme Riboflavin so that you can convert synthetic vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) into its coenzyme B6 form (Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate).

Yes, you can *survive* on synthetic forms of B vitamins. But why make your body work so hard? Why survive when you can *thrive* (with coenzyme vitamins)?

Why other kids vitamins don’t include coenzyme forms is BEYOND ME. If other brands go with conventional (and sometimes toxic) synthetic forms, so be it. Run, and go with Kids Mighty-Multi!.

Other advanced forms include vitamin D as D3 (cholecalciferol), vitamin K as K1 and K2 (Menaquinone-7), and minerals using Krebs’ cycle carriers (like citrates, malates, fumarates, succinates, and aspartates) that are best recognized and utilized in the body because they plug into the body’s energy (ATP) production system.

* No established Daily Value
† Quatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Gnosis SPD

SCALABLE DOSING – CALLING ALL KIDS – AND ADULTS!

Maybe the best feature of Kids Mighty-Multi! is scalable dosing. Scalability makes it suitable for children and youth of all sizes—and adults, too!

Glancing at Kids Mighty-Multi!‘s label, you might assume it’s as low potency as the most kids’ vitamins available in stores. Not so fast.

Because Dr. Hank designed this multivitamin for everyone, including adults. How do I know? Because he told me: he takes these chewables himself!

How does it work? You simply take two (2) tablets per 20 pounds of body weight—up to six tablets—for kids. But since most older kids and adults weigh more than 60 pounds, you can take 8–10+ tablets and approximate the nutrition you would get from your regular adult vitamin. How cool is that!

Scalable dosing works well for people who don’t like swallowing capsules or tablets, or who prefer a good-tasting chewable. And who doesn’t, sometimes? It is especially useful for traveling because the entire family can use it.

In my case, I usually take four capsules per day of Hank & Brian’s Mighty Multi-Vite! , which my favorite adult multivitamin, and the inspiration for creating the Kids Mighty-Multi!. Yet, there are many days when I thrill to the taste of the new chewable kids multivitamin—knowing I get a significant amount of nutritional value. That means a lot. A lot of goodness. And not much to worry about.

Dr. Hank Liers pulled out the stops in formulating Kids Mighty-Multi!

CHOOSE KIDS MIGHTY-MULTI!

You’ve got choices. You can go online or to your local natural market, pharmacy, or big box store and fill up on whatever kids vitamins you find. Take your chances. Or you can try Kids Mighty-Multi! to discover how good a children’s multivitamin can (and should) be—a truly superior formula.

The emergence of diabetes in epidemic proportions has become one of the most weightiest (pun intended) health issues today. The need for effective, natural measures supporting blood sugar stabilization has never been greater.

As millions of people around the globe adopt western-type diets and sedentary lifestyles, obesity rates skyrocket—as do health care costs associated with diabetes. Indeed, it often appears as though the rise of diabetes, pre-diabetes, and blood sugar related conditions are destined to continue their relentless rise.

But it doesn’t need to be this way. In fact, public awareness about the risks of diabetes has been rising fast. People realize processed foods, sodas, and foods hyper sweetened with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other anti-nutrients (including artificial sweeteners) are never healthy choices. That exercise is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Also, there is increased awareness among health care professionals and the general public regarding the role played by other factors, such as chemical toxins (e.g., plastics, pthalates, bisphenol-A, heavy metals, etc.) (some of which are hormone/endocrine disruptors) in the etiology and progression of diabetes and health conditions related to blood sugar control.

SOLUTIONS FOR DIABETES AND BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL

The problem may be complex, but many of the solutions are surprisingly simple (even if not ‘easy’ given all the variables from an entrenched corporate food system that encourages consumption to lack of education about healthy living).

These solutions include changes made to diet and lifestyle. They include consuming little or no sugar and refined foods (e.g., processed flour and simple carbohydrates), and fewer empty calories (e.g, sodas sweetened with high fructose corn syrup) of all kinds. Making healthier choices like complex carbohydrates (e.g., vegetables), more raw foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and only use no (or low) glycemic sweeteners (like stevia or erythritol). Aim to consume an organic, whole foods diet as much as possible.

Daily or near daily exercise that can include walking, hiking, biking, swimming. And meditation and other stress-reducing and bliss-inducing activities like yoga, tai chi, qi-gong, deep breathing exercises, and time spent in nature.

These few practices (above) by themselves effectively support positive blood sugar changes, help reduce body weight, and lower adverse stress chemicals in the bloodstream. Not only can they help head off progression to full blown diabetes, but also put your health on a trajectory toward optimal wellness and deep-rooted well being.

Moreover, these practices can increase the body’s resistance to adverse blood sugar changes and buffer it in times of stress, so that reasonable health can be assured even in a less than perfect world where ideal dietary choices sometimes are not readily available, and/or when environmental exposures cannot easily be avoided.

We specialize in offering nutritional products that support optimal health, including a highly effective Blood Sugar Support formula (formerly Diabetes Support Formula). I will go a bit more into depth about nutritional supplementation for diabetes blood sugar stabilization, then go into further detail regarding diet and other helpful elements.

The four foundational formulas help establish a base of nutrients that support a state of good health. General good health is important both to help the body deal with existing blood sugar control problems (including diabetes), and to help avert further deterioration of the body’s capacity to control blood sugar.

The most important condition specific formulas are Blood Sugar Support (formerly Diabetes Support Formula), pH ADJUST, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), and Intestinal Rejuvenation Formula. The Blood Sugar Support formula provides support for blood sugar control by very effectively providing nutrients the body can use to stabilize its blood sugar. In fact, many users report their symptoms disappear or are greatly reduced. Read more about Blood Sugar Support formula here.

The Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control Supplement Schedule (below) provides an excellent starting point. The information that follows the Supplement Schedule provides additional, important suggestions that may be helpful. These suggestions do not necessarily represent a comprehensive program for regaining your health. Taken together, however, the Schedule and recommendations are intended to offer measures for supporting blood sugar control, naturally and effectively.

Note: Zinc and chromium are both known to help reduce blood sugar. However, when taken together their combined effects exceed their effects when taken separately. Blood Sugar Support formula provides therapeutic levels of chromium and some zinc. Taking additional supplemental zinc daily (e.g., 1–2 capsules of Double Zinc Plus) will boost zinc intake into the therapeutic range, and thereby more effectively support blood sugar control efforts via improved nutrition.

DIETARY APPROACHES FOR DIABETES

The most important dietary recommendation for diabetics or anyone attempting to stabilize their blood sugar is to stop (or dramatically reduce) consuming sugars and all refined or simple carbohydrates. That is, the less you consume of foods containing sugar (or that break down quickly into sugars), the better. Refined or simple carbohydrates include white breads, pasta, white rice, and white potatoes.

We also suggest consuming smaller, more frequent meals and snacks. This strategy can keep blood sugar on a more even keel, and avoids precipitous drops in blood sugar levels. Keeping a good balance of complex carbohydrates (vegetables, nuts, and seeds) and high quality proteins can be important (see more below).

LIMIT GRAINS

Beyond foods containing sugar, many nutritionists advise diabetics not to consume any grains for at least three to six months. Not only will this help reduce blood sugar, but it may also contribute to less inflammation in the body, as well as weight loss, which in the case of many diabetics is a necessity for improved health.

After three to six months, depending on the blood sugar control status of the individual, whole grains may be reintroduced in small quantities. Whole grains may include organic brown rice, organic buckwheat, organic millet, and possibly organic sprouted breads (e.g., Ezekiel or Essene breads). Whole grains are complex carbohydrates, and they require metabolic activity for digestion. Unlike simple carbohydrates, they do not rapidly break down into sugars and overwhelm the bloodstream with them.

We also encourage you to know their blood type and to familiarize yourself with the foods that are beneficial, detrimental, or neutral for your blood type (see Eat Right for Your Type and other books by Peter D’Adamo). For example, it is well known that blood type O exhibits greater incidence of problems related to digesting grains. However, no blood type is immune from blood sugar problems related to consuming refined, overly processed grains.

INCREASE VEGETABLES

We recommend an alkaline-forming diet that maintains a urine pH between 6.5 and 7.0 (for recommendations see chart “Effect of Foods on Body Chemistry” or the table below). An acidic body is far more susceptible to degenerative diseases. Also, when the body remains acidic over a prolonged period, it must rob minerals from bones in order maintain its pH balance. An alkaline body can therefore more easily maintain stronger bones and structural integrity.

The best way to ensure your diet remains alkaline forming (and hence your body stays alkaline) is to consume lots of vegetables and fruits. Emphasize leafy green vegetables, which promote alkalinity most effectively. However, most vegetables (with a few exceptions) help keep you alkaline. Ultimately, a balanced whole-foods diet that includes high intake of vegetables, vegetable juices, and nuts will very effectively keep you alkaline.

Vegetables provide complex carbohydrates, which contain more fiber and take longer for the body to digest. They also provide far more nutrients (including vitamins, minerals) than simple carbohydrates. Thus, complex carbohydrates do not subject the body to such extreme blood sugar swings compared to simple carbohydrates. Plus the greater nutritional value offers nutrients that support the body’s blood sugar response.

Consuming soups is a tasty, healthy way to increase your vegetable intake and to dramatically alkalinize your body. Try eating “Hank’s Vegetable Soup” several times a week. Modify this recipe, as you wish.

Try to consume at least some vegetables raw. In fact, aim for 50–60% raw, if possible. Raw foods provide enzymes that help break down foods. Try consuming a nearly total raw foods diet for a week or two, and see how you feel. Many people find that the benefits are so great that they increase their raw foods to 80% or more.

DRINK FRESH VEGETABLE JUICES WITH SUPERFOODS

Another great way to stay alkaline is to drink vegetable juices daily. Preferably, you can make juices yourself with a juicer (or visit a juice bar). Start making juice with carrots, apples, beets (including greens), celery, cucumber, and leafy greens (spinach, parsley, cilantro).

Then, consider adding spicier ingredients like ginger, lemon, garlic, and even hot peppers. The main point is to make juicing a regular part of your life and to make juices you enjoy. (My favorite juice recipe is ‘The Doctor.’)

Drink at least 12–16 ounces of juice daily (or as often as possible). Then ideally work your way up to one to two quarts (32–64 ounces) per day. This is the level at which the greatest benefits of juicing will be realized. In fact, I will go so far as to say that drinking two quarts of organic juice per day is one of the very best things you can do to speed progress in supporting the effectiveness of the body’s blood sugar control mechanisms.

Dietary nucleic acids (RNA, DNA, nucleotides, and nucleosides) are known to help with blood sugar control, diabetes, and stimulate healing in the body. Over time, nucleic acids help the body to rebuild itself, provide greater energy (as ATP) for biological processes, improve cellular communications, boost oxygenation, support tissue repair, and normalize overall body function.

Juicers come in many styles and sizes. There are good juicers of all types. Check out centrifugal juicers (e.g., Breville), masticator juicers (e.g., Champion), twin gear (e.g., Green Star), and single augur juicers (e.g., Hurom). You often get what you pay for with juicers. I favor certain juicers like the Green Star, which costs more, but offers far greater durability and includes a 12-year warranty.

Supplementing with pH ADJUST can be extremely effective. We suggest you use pH paper to measure your morning urine pH (before eating any foods). If your urine pH is less than 7.2-7.6, start with ~1/4 tsp in 6-8 oz of purified water. Gradually increase your dosage until your morning urine pH is in the 7.2-7.6 range and maintain that amount or continue to measure your pH and adjust your dosage accordingly.

A NOTE ON FRUIT

Fruits also are alkaline forming and offer dietary fiber and other nutrients. However, diabetics (and others concerned about blood sugar) must watch total sugar intake. So, emphasize intake of low glycemic fruits (e.g., berries) (see Carbohydrates in Fruits and Vegetables chart), and keep intake of sugary fruits (and fruit juices) low, especially at the beginning of any program to control blood sugar. As the body’s blood sugar responses normalize, it may be appropriate to include more fruits in the diet.

Be sure not only to emphasize fruits low on the glycemic index, but also fresh fruits and fresh fruit juices. That is, fresh organic fruits, fruit juices, and fruit smoothies that you make yourself are much healthier than processed fruit or fruit juice products you find in a grocery store. Frozen organic berries are one exception. In addition to to a juicer, a blender is a must-have tool for creating fresh, healthy concoctions (such as smoothies) in your kitchen.

FIBER FOR DIABETES AND BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL

The importance of dietary fiber to blood sugar stabliization cannot be overestimated. As previously stated, vegetables provide good amounts fiber. Whole grains and fruits also provide fiber, but depending on your status on a blood sugar stabilization program, you may not yet be consuming too many grains or fruits.

Nuts and seeds (e.g., sunflower, almond, chia, walnuts, and sesame) in small amounts (1–2 ounces) are good options for more fiber, as well as providing high quality proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other important nutrients. If you are already consuming smaller, but more frequent meals, you will find that nuts and seeds fit well into this strategy. They are portable, mixable, and store well.

Beans are an excellent source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Notably, beans naturally contain high amounts of dietary nucleic acids (RNA, DNA) that are known to help the body deal with blood sugar issues. if you have trouble digesting beans, then consume only in moderation, then gradually increase as the body adjusts to them.

We also recommend a dietary fiber supplement. Intestinal Rejuvenation Formula not only provides significant amounts of dietary fiber, but also nutrients that support intestinal health. This formula is designed to cleanse the entire intestinal tract; to sweep it free of blockages, impactions, and pockets, as well as to support natural bowel movement.

When taken before or around meal times, Intestinal Rejuvenation Formula helps slow the release of sugars into the bloodstream. In addition, using the formula regularly prepares the intestinal tract to support healthy populations of gut bacteria (probiotics).

After periodic intestinal cleansing using a natural fiber supplement like Intestinal Rejuvenation Formula, it is a good idea to take a high-quality probiotic supplement (that includes prebiotics), such as Prescript-Assist™.

RESTORE is unlike any supplement on the market. Made in the USA, RESTORE is a soil-derived, scientifically backed mineral supplement that creates a firewall against toxins entering the gut wall. RESTORE helps create a biological environment for “good” gut bacteria to grow and flourish in order to support improvement of overall health.

A ROLE FOR PROTEIN

We recommend for blood sugar issues consuming a diet relatively high in protein. Lean proteins can help stabilize blood sugar. For non-vegetarians, proteins can include lean meats, including organic beef, organic turkey and other poultry, or wild-caught fish (e.g., salmon). Portion sizes do not have to be especially large, and it may be more effective to serve smaller portions more frequently. For vegetarians or vegans, there are many options for protein, including leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and organic soy (in small quantities).

ITEMS TO AVOID

Beyond sugars and refined (or processed) foods, some other items to avoid (or reduce) while on a program to stabilize blood sugar include alcohol, tobacco, coffee, fried foods, and foods containing artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and sweeteners (e.g., aspartame and sucralose). Acceptable sweeteners include stevia and polyols (e.g., xylitol or erythritol).

Avoid or reduce consumption of dairy products (although some raw dairy products may be okay for some people). Drink purified or spring water, thereby avoiding toxic chlorine and fluoride, which both adversely affect metabolism and the thyroid gland (among their many adverse effects).

Avoid whenever possible consuming foods or drinks from plastic containers, or from metal cans sealed using bisphenol-A. Instead, store and serve foods using glass, metal (e.g., stainless steel), or ceramic containers. Intake of plastics into the body has been implicated in blood sugar control problems, including the development of diabetes. In addition, avoidance of plastics helps reduce intake of xenoestrogens, which are endocrine disruptors, and harmful to health.

As noted above, we recommend Nascent Iodine to support metabolism and the thyroid gland. Proper thyroid function is critical to the body’s metabolism, energy (ATP) production, digestion, and many other functions.

Nascent iodine supports optimal metabolism, as well as processes of energy production and detoxification in the body. The vast majority of American are deficient in iodine. Thyroid issues often accompany problems with blood sugar control and diabetes. Iodine is an important mineral the sufficiency of which is important for everyone in order to maintain proper metabolic health.

EXERCISE AND DIABETES

Exercise is important for all aspects of health, including metabolism. While exercise is important for all individuals, it may be especially important for individuals with diabetes blood sugar control problems. This partly relates to the fact that obesity is considered a primary risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. While not all diabetics are overweight or obese, many of them certainly exhibit these characteristics.

Because being overweight or obese is associated with blood sugar problems, anyone who is overweight or obese should exercise regularly. This does not mean to exercise beyond one’s limits. Start slowly and then increase duration and intensity according to increased capacities for exercise.

Ideally, you should exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes three times per week. Walking, hiking, jogging, or swimming are ideal because they emphasize cardiovascular health. However, even yoga or tai chi can be practiced at a level that burns fats, increases muscle, and elevates heart and breathing rates.

RELAXATION, MEDITATION, AND MINDFULNESS

Practicing meditation and/or utilizing relaxation techniques (e.g., biofeedback) supports the body to balance emotional states, reduce stress (and the ‘fight or flight’ systems that taxes the adrenal glands). Meditation, or time taken in nature, deep breathing, mindfulness, and quiet peaceful time (alone or with others) can rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. It also gives the body a chance to slow down, rest, and heal.

Regular meditative or relaxation practices protect the body and mind from excessive external pressures, and create an internal milieu more conducive to normal biological function. Thus, such practices keep us more youthful, more attuned, and better able to respond appropriately to whatever life requires of us. From the perspective of blood sugar control, deeper states of relaxation in the body can translate into less blood sugar instability, partly due to improved stress response.

We also recommend regular massage and bodywork in our Master Rejuvenation Program. The benefits are many and include muscle relaxation, improved blood (and lymph fluid) circulation, structural alignment, and detoxification. For diabetics or individuals with blood sugar control, relaxation and improved circulation are especially important.

OTHER RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

There are several other practices we highly recommend to support optimal health for individuals dealing with blood sugar control problems and/or diabetes. One of these is doing a periodic (e.g., once per season) juice cleanse that includes a kidney cleanse.

I will discuss how to do a complete kidney cleanse in a forthcoming article. A kidney cleanse involves 3–5 days (minimum) of drinking fresh vegetable juices with superfoods.

In the morning, before juicing, you make a drink using the juice of two lemons or limes, preferably fresh. Mix the lemon (or lime) juice into 16–32 ounces of water, add some maple syrup to taste (optional), and a pinch of cayenne (optional). Fifteen to twenty minutes later, drink two cups of hot (or warm) kidney tea (see resources list below).

Within an hour of drinking the lemonade (or limeade) and hot tea, prepare a drink that includes fresh vegetable juice (8–16 ounces) plus chlorella or Rejuvenate! superfood(s) (1–4 tablespoons). The original Rejuvenate!™ (greens) is the best one for this purpose, but you can use any of them.

The remainder of the day you consume additional amounts of fresh vegetable juices optionally mixed with supefoods. Here is a recipe for my favorite vegetable juice recipe (‘The Doctor’) that may inspire you to make your own vegetable juices customized to your taste and palate.

Ideally for at least three days, you’ll just drink lemonade and vegetable juices plus super foods. However, if you decide to eat, then just make sure that everything you eat is raw, organic, and fresh (e.g., not cooked or pasteurized). For example, consume salads, vegetables, or other raw foods away from the times you consume your lemon drink or vegetable juices.

Continue drinking lemonade (or limeade) for at least three to five days. Seven days is better. After completing the kidney cleanse, you can continue eating raw for a day or two to ease the transition back to regular foods. Another option is moving onto a liver cleanse, which I will discuss in depth in a forthcoming article.

A further option is moving from a kidney cleanse onto the lemonade diet (in any season), in which you consume lemonade (or limeade) as your primary source of nourishment for up to two weeks. You can optionally include vegetable juices while on the lemonade diet.

If you add vegetable juices and/or superfoods to your lemonade diet, then you can go longer, up to perhaps four weeks or longer depending on the quantity of additional nutrients you consume, and how you feel while consuming lemonade, vegetable juice, and superfoods. You can expect some lulls in energy, but overall you may feel more energized and you will certainly be highly alkaline.

CONCLUSION: PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Attaining blood sugar control may seem a daunting task, especially at times when progress seems slow. However, remember that it is primarily unhealthy eating and lifestyle patterns that create problems with blood sugar. There is no time like the present to start making positive changes that can support your body’s natural capacity to control its blood sugar.

Changing habits and choosing a healthy diet that excludes simple sugars and reduces carbohydrates takes time. Yet, making such changes offers virtually foolproof means at least to improve blood sugar control, if not firmly establish a program that leads to dealing with the problem effectively over the long run, and perhaps solving it once and for all.